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Four of the five Tunnel Boring Machines working on the second phase of Sydney Metro have completed their runs with TBM Mum Shirl breaking through the southern wall of the Barangaroo station pit over the weekend.

A fifth TBM is still working on completing the short section of tunnel under Port Jackson between Barangaroo and a launch site near Blues Point on the northern shore.

TBMs that began their journey near Sydenham at the southern end of the tunnels have taken 14 months to complete their runs.

<blockquote>
Since starting work at Marrickville in November 2018, Mum Shirl took about 14 months to build an 8.1-kilometre tunnel to Barangaroo, cutting through sandstone and shale to excavate more than 821,000 tonnes of rock - enough to fill 126 Olympic swimming pools.

About 29.5km of 31km of twin metro tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham – or 97 per cent – are now complete with TBM Kathleen now digging under Sydney Harbour to finish her second under-harbour metro tunnel.

TBMs Nancy, Wendy and Mabel finished work late last year.
<cite>Sydney Metro/NSW Government</cite>
</blockquote>

Barangaroo station on Sydney CBD's northwest periphery took two years to excavate and during that time, 460,000 tonnes of rock were removed.

According to an indicative timeline, after tunnel and station pit construction has been completed, the tunnel fit-out phase - the installation of track, emergency egress &amp; walkways, overhead electrical equipment, signalling and communication systems - will run for approximately 2 years.

Thereafter, a testing phase will run for approximately 12 months.

The second phase Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project also sees the conversion of existing railway between Sydenham and Bankstown in order for metro services to take over operations of services in the inner southwest of Sydney.

Summertime shutdowns of existing services will occur over several years to convert the line for metro use and the second phase of the entire Sydney Metro project is expected to start taking its first passengers in 2024.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/scale_map_of_proposed_sydney_metro.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Map of Sydney Metro phases 1 and 2. Image: wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/scale_map_of_proposed_sydney_metro.jpg?itok=AIO_Zt8t" title="Map of Sydney Metro phases 1 and 2. Image: wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Map of Sydney Metro phases 1 and 2. Image: Wikipedia</figcaption></figure>The second phase of the first Sydney Metro line precedes other work underway for a second and third line.  The second line dubbed Sydney Metro West, <a href="/news/nsw-government-confirms-sydney-metro-wests-station-locations">in October last year</a>, had its station locations narrowed down by the NSW Government.

It will add more capacity between Sydney CBD and Parramatta with future-proofing to allow the line's eventual extension westward.  Initial work is expected to start in 2020, tunnelling to start in 2022 and the project is expected to take its first passengers in 2030.

The third line, dubbed Sydney Metro Greater West, will see a line built from St Mary's on the existing T1-Western line southwards to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

Federal and NSW Government money has been allocated for the Sydney Metro Greater West with construction expected to be completed by the time the new Western Sydney Airport opens in 2026.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bankstown-nsw?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>
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Alastair Taylor

Tunnelling under Sydney CBD complete for the second phase of Sydney Metro

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Perth's new Forrestfield railway line that will also serve Perth Airport is expected to complete tunneling in the first half of 2020 as progress steps up a gear on building the new stations.

In an end of year news update, the project delivery team said 7600 tunnel rings have been installed and both TBMs - Grace in the lead, Sandy in pursuit - are nearing the end of the run under the Swan River broadly along the Tonkin Highway corridor toward the Bayswater tunnel diver and junction site.

Following the excavation of the station pit at Redcliffe - located to the east of Perth Airport's Qantas terminals - both TBMs arrived in the first half of 2019, underwent a one-month-long maintenance round and then were sent on the final leg of the journey towards Bayswater.

Meanwhile, early works have begun on the upgrade to Bayswater station that <a href="/news/wa-government-unveils-major-upgrade-for-bayswater-station-as-part-of-perths-metronet-program">Urban.com.au reported on in December 2018</a>, with an <a href="https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/01/Kurrajong-tree-relocated-as-part-of-Bayswater-METRONET-works.aspx">80-year-old Kurrajong tree</a> delicately relocated from the station worksite.  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734]

At Airport Central station which is located next to the Virgin and International terminals, in November the Skybridge linking the station to the terminals was completed with the longest single-span uninterrupted escalators measuring 35m long and 15 high being the noteworthy addition late last year.

The line's terminus at Forrestfield station reached the halfway mark during 2019 according to the end-of-year summary. The tunnel portal building, storage building as well as station's main concourse, platforms and vertical transport (escalators, stairs, lift frames) were all installed in 2019.

The Forrestfield-Airport Link is being delivered through a single-package "lump sum" Design and Construct Contract that was awarded to a Slini Impregilo-NRW Joint Venture in April 2016.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bayswater-wa?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Thornlie-Cockburn link contracts signed</h2>

In mid-December 2019 the Western Australia Government signed a contract to kick off construction on the <a href="/news/wa-cabinet-pushes-yanchep-extension-and-thornlie-cockburn-link-closer-to-start-of-construction">Thornlie-Cockburn link</a> which will create a suburb-to-suburb loop in Perth's southern and southeastern suburbs.

The Thornlie-Cockburn link is designed to connect the southern Mandurah line with the southeastern Armadale line.  Thornlie already exists as a branch off the Armadale line, the project will see existing track duplicated and then extended to Cockburn Central with two new stations located between Thornlie and Cockburn Central.

The price of the contract has come in at $716 million and is expected to be complete by 2023.  This compares to a pre-election commitment of $474 million and a start date of 2021.

The NEWest Alliance comprising CPB Contractors and Downer was awarded the contract.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/perth_metro_net1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/perth_metro_net1.jpg?itok=55o0mTHz" title="The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The WA Government's METRONET heavy rail plan</figcaption></figure>
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Perth's Forrestfield-Airport rail link tunnelling expected to finish in first half of 2020

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In mid-December, the Queensland Government released the Cross River Rail (CRR) Precinct Strategy which aims to guide development at each of the new stations the project will deliver.

The document puts on paper the strategic aspirations for the CRR precincts and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority has responsibility for all five precincts at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, Roma Street and Exhibition.

The CRR project is a 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills that will include 6 kilometres of twin rail tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD.  The project will also include upgrades to several stations Brisbane's southside as well as develop 3 new Gold Coast stations.

The CRR delivery authority estimates post-construction and once all precincts have been developed, the Gross Regional Product for Brisbane will increase by $15-20 billion and approximately 35,000 new jobs will be created over time.

Consultation for the precinct strategy was undertaken across Queensland Government departments and the Brisbane City Council.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/crr_path1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="795" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crr_path1.png?itok=4DLusvzN" title="Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Path of the Cross River Rail project and associated anchors in each precinct. Image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au</figcaption></figure>The following is a summary of the strategy at each

<h2>Boggo Road</h2>

The precinct strategy aims to create a new urban village surrounding the Boggo Road station with a focus on improved pedestrian connectivity to the knowledge hub of leading health, research and education institutions. 

Along with forming a connection to the existing Park Road station, the precinct will connect Princess Alexandra Hospital and will aim to strengthen pedestrian links through to the University of Queensland.

<h2>Woolloongabba</h2>

Home to Brisbane's main cricket and AFL stadium, the precinct strategy aims to create a new town centre that links the stadium, Mater Hospital, the Children's Hospital health precinct and the new station.

The new station will be a new 'front door' to the Gabba and the strategy calls for significant private investment to develop residential, commercial, recreational and health-focused facilities in the immediate area.

<h2>Albert Street</h2>

At the heart of the Brisbane CBD, the new Albert Street station is seen as a catalyst for new rounds of investment in the southern portion of Brisbane's CBD through improved access to public transport.

"Any development in the Albert Street precinct should deliver high-quality built-form and public realm that contributes to a sense of arrival and creates a new landmark destination within the city centre", the precinct strategy reads.

<h2>Roma Street</h2>

The new underground station will connect to the existing Roma Street station and the extra public transport investment in the area will bolster Brisbane's West End, opening the way for projects such as Brisbane Live.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w96eG-ht5Po" width="100%"></iframe>

The precinct strategy also notes that significant upgrades to the state-owned interchange for bus, other rail, Cross River Rail and metro services will occur that also includes the realignment of the Inner Northern Busway. 

<h2>Exhibition</h2>

The Cross River Rail project will take Exhibition Station from operating as an event time only station to a year-round operational one that will provide the Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital with a high-quality rail connection on top of existing bus services.

The precinct strategy sees further concentration of knowledge-sector industries in the precinct including the expansion of allied health and biomedical industries as well as an expansion of education and research activities within the precinct.

To view the precinct strategy document, see <a href="https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/news/cross-river-rail-precinct-strategy-released/">crossriverrail.qld.gov.au</a>.

Lead image credit: buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au
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Queensland government releases Cross River Rail Precinct Strategy

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Just before Christmas, the NSW Government awarded a $299 million contract that will see the new Waterloo station on the second phase of the Sydney Metro line built along with a range of other uses on site.

Site preparation works have been ongoing, however, John Holland will build the new metro station on the block bounded by Cope Street, Raglan Street, Botany Road and Wellington Street in Waterloo and Mirvac will develop the 5 buildings set to rise on the site after the underground station is built.

Dubbed Waterloo Metro Quarter, the NSW government stands to benefit through capturing $106 million from the joint-venture partners for the rights to develop the station.  The development will include 70 social housing units and 5% of all other units will be set aside for affordable housing.

<blockquote>
Under the plan, at least five per cent of homes will be affordable housing and 70 apartments will be set aside for social housing.

There will be new community facilities, more trees planted, retail and office space and two new public plazas at Cope Street and Raglan Street.
<cite>Sydney Metro/NSW Government media release</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_2.jpg?itok=6fGH3u25" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government</figcaption></figure>The anticipated value of the development is $800 million and Mirvac intends to complete all components of the project within the next 5-6 years.

The integrated development will furthermore include office and retail spaces that Mirvac will manage long-term and the listed-developer will seek a 50/50 capital partner for the ownership of those project components.

<blockquote>
Our vision for this precinct extends beyond the bricks and mortar; we will be a long-term investor in Waterloo and we are wholly committed to realising the potential of this site to help drive meaningful social renewal and enduring value for the broader precinct.

The ability to deliver a progressive, urban development of this calibre, is underpinned by our wealth of experience at the forefront of the industry, together with our unique end-to-end capability
<cite>susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, CEO of Mirvac</cite>
</blockquote>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/waterloo-nsw?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Waterloo is no stranger to new development with 23 projects currently on the Urban database.  Most of the existing pipeline is concentrated to the south and east of the new metro station site.

The second phase of the Sydney Metro project, also known as the Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project, also hit a new milestone the first of TBMs reaching Barangaroo on Sydney CBD's northwestern flank. 

The TBM named Nancy breached the station pit wall at Barangaroo in mid-December after having started its journey in Marrickville 15 months earlier in September 2018.  The second TBM, named Mum Shirl, is on the final stretch of its journey approximately 250m from the Barangaroo station pit according to the <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/tunnelling">Sydney Metro TBM tracker</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syd_metro_waterloo_dec_19_3.jpg?itok=U6L0hHZi" title="Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Sydney Metro/NSW Government</figcaption></figure>When complete, the entire line will stretch from Tallawong in Sydney's outer northwest to Bankstown in the middle ring, southwest of Sydney CBD.  The line will measure 66km in length, include 31 new stations and driverless trains will run on 4-minute peak and 10-minute off-peak frequencies.
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NSW government awards $299 million contract for new Waterloo metro station and integrated development

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Since late 2019, preparatory works for the level crossing removals at Cheltenham and Mentone have been underway, and the Victorian Government has now provided a timeline for further shutdowns to the Frankston line that will see the completion of 6 level crossing removals in 2020.

The preparatory works on rail trenches that will be dug under Park and Charman Roads in Cheltenham, as well as Balcombe Road in Mentone, will ramp up with services on the Frankston line to be replaced by buses between Frankston and Moorabbin between the 2nd and 16th of February.

During the same shutdown period, the level crossing at Carrum will be removed with the new elevated station and rebuilt elevated railway to open to passengers on the 17th of February.

Mentone Station will be closed in late March, and from mid-April, Cheltenham station will be closed with Frankston trains all running express through both stations until a major shutdown that will begin mid-May and run for two months until mid-July.

During the shutdown between mid-May and mid-July, buses will replace trains between Moorabbin and <a href="/new-townhouses/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc </a>to allow for the completion of rail trenches as well as new Cheltenham and Menton stations.

The Victorian Government says that when services resume running after mid-July, the crossings will be removed and new stations will open shortly after. The government expects finishing works to continue right through to early 2021.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mentone-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham station hosts a third platform that will be rebuilt as part of the level crossing removal project, and according to the broader network enhancements in the Melbourne Metro business case, the station will see a more considerable amount of terminating services.

When the Melbourne Metro tunnel opens, and the Pakenham/Cranbourne and Sunbury lines are diverted through it, the Frankston line will get exclusive use of the existing Caulfield loop. This change will allow for an increase of services, including terminating some services at stations like Cheltenham in order to provide capacity in areas where there will be demand for them.

Cheltenham will also host the southernmost station on the <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-cheltenham">Suburban Rail Loop</a>.  The business case and reference design are underway, however, late last year the Victorian Government confirmed the Suburban Rail Loop will be an <a href="/news/victorian-government-says-melbournes-suburban-rail-loop-will-be-an-operationally-independent-railway">operationally-independent railway</a> and the first phase will be built from Cheltenham to Box Hill. 

As part of the broader Level Crossing Removal Project, the Frankston line will see 18 level crossings removed (5 are already completed), 12 station rebuilds with a price tag of $3 billion.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cheltenham-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Cheltenham, and to a lesser extent Menton, are no stranger to higher-density development.  Cheltenham, in particular, has a robust pipeline of projects across all the main statuses Urban tracks.

Residential projects vary in size, from a handful of apartments up to over 150 apartments in projects such as the recently completed Village Cheltenham.  

Kingston Council updated the structure plan for Cheltenham in 2018, prior to the Victorian Government unveiling the Suburban Rail Loop project.
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Frankston line to see multiple shutdowns as more level crossings are set to go in 2020

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The Adelaide Central Market Arcade will be redeveloped in a $400 million deal between the City of Adelaide and a consortium of private sector businesses.  The redevelopment will see the arcade site, located next to the main market site, redeveloped that includes a multi-storey podium and tower retail, commercial, hotel and residential tower reaching 35 levels above Grote Street.

ICD Property, Nanshan Singapore, Sinclair Brook, Mott MacDonald and Woods Bagot have entered into a partnership with the city council to develop the site which will include speciality food, beverage and retail areas.

The roof of the podium looks set to include an elevated park right in the heart of the city, the redeveloped arcade has a focus on connecting Grote and Gouger Streets and the council says the new precinct will attract 10 million visits a year upon opening.  Likewise, the lanes to be created in the redevelopment will link Victoria Square through the Central Market itself.

The City of Adelaide stresses the Central Market will not be included and redevelopment is contained to the arcade site between the market and the Hilton Hotel/Law Courts on Victoria Square.

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/376713944?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="100%"></iframe>

Following a detailed design and planning approvals process, the City of Adelaide expects construction to start in 2021.

15 per cent of the residential component in the redevelopment will be reserved for affordable housing and Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the redevelopment would secure the district's future.

"It will complement and enhance the Adelaide Central Market as a world-class fresh produce market and visitor attraction.  We have a seamless transition between that new development and that existing Central Market and we bring new life right to the heart of the city," the Lord Mayor told the Adelaide Advertiser.

The City of Adelaide Council took control of the Central Market Arcade in September 2018 after 50 years of private management and the redevelopment announcement is the result of an expression of interest (EOI) process that kicked off in 2017.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/adelaide_central_market2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Overview of the Central Market Arcade redevelopment. Image: City of Adelaide"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/adelaide_central_market2.jpg?itok=bEH4i5zV" title="Overview of the Central Market Arcade redevelopment. Image: City of Adelaide" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Overview of the Central Market Arcade redevelopment. Image: City of Adelaide</figcaption></figure>
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Adelaide's Central Market Arcade to undergo $400 million redevelopment

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The Victorian Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, has announced a 6-member panel will be convened to lead a comprehensive review into Victoria's building system.

Among the appointees is Dame Judith Hackitt who led the UK Government's review of high-rise regulation after the 2017 Grenfell Tower inferno in London.

The panel will be chaired by Victoria's Better Regulation and Red Tape Commission Anna Cronin who has more than 25 year's experience in policy development.

Members of the panel are:

<ul>
<li>Anna Cronin - Chair and Commission for Better Regulation and Red Tape Commissioner</li>
	<li>Dame Judith Hackitt - Chair of the UK Independent Review of building regulations and Fire Safety and form Chair of the UK Health and Safety Executive</li>
	<li>Lauren Solomon - CEO of Consumer Policy Research Centre</li>
	<li>Melanie Fasham - Past President of the Master Buildings Association of Victoria and member of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee</li>
	<li>Dr Gerry Ayers - Health and Safety Manager of the CFMEU</li>
	<li>Professor Ian Bailey AM SC - Founding Chair of the Society of Construction Law Australia and progressional fellow at Melbourne Law School.</li>
</ul>
The panel's first take will be to establish overarching principles to guide the building system review and identify key themes to be investigated and addressed throughout the reform process.  The review will also address recommendations from the Victoria Cladding Taskforce's July 2019 Report.

"We've appointed experts from Victoria and around the world to help us deliver a better building system.  Our building and construction sector underpins much of our growth and economic activity - so it makes sense to support this with a modern and effective legislative framework", Richard Wynne said. 

The Victorian Cladding Taskforce was set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and 3 years after the Lacross Fire in Docklands. 

The Grenfell Tower disaster claimed the lives of 72 people and was started due to a malfunctioning refrigerator-freezer and the fire was primarily attributed to the building's cladding. The Lacrosse fire, while not recording any casualties, was started by a non-extinguished cigarette disposed of in a plastic container - the resulting fire spread across the facade of the building.

Several audits on building facades have been carried out (and some are still ongoing) and some of the recommendations in the Victorian Cladding Taskforce's report, delivered in October 2018 and published in <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/building-policy/victorian-cladding-taskforce">July 2019</a>, included:

<ul>
<li>The Victorian Building Authority and City of Melbourne complete comprehensive audits of priority buildings by the end of 2019.</li>
	<li>Risk assessment tools be developed for domestic buildings and be made available for use in commercial and industrial buildings.</li>
	<li>The implementation of a power for the Minister for Planning to declare a prohibition on the use of high-risk cladding products.</li>
</ul>
In June 2019, the Minister for Planning and Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, announced a $600 million package to fix buildings with combustible cladding in the form of grants to fund rectification works.

A new agency called Cladding Safety Victoria will manage funding and the state government will directly fund half of the rectification works and on January 1, an increased levy applying to planning applications with building work worth more than $800,000, will aid in financing the other half of the fund.

Lead image: Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, Credit: <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news">ABC</a>.
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Expert panel appointed to review Victoria's Building System

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Residents who live and new residents looking to live or invest in Melbourne's sandbelt can look forward to a significant investment in new public transport infrastructure now that the Victorian state government has awarded a contract to carry out work on level crossing removals in the area.  At the same time, residents and prospective residents-alike get to see what their new stations will look like.

An alliance consisting Lendlease, Acciona Coleman Rail, WSP and Metro Trains Melbourne was awarded a $744 million contract to remove the level crossings at Edithvale Road in Edithvale, Station Street in Bonbeach as well as Argyle Avenue, Chelsea Road and Swanpool Avenue in Chelsea. 

This is the same alliance of contractors that worked on other Frankston line level crossing removals in Seaford, Carrum, Cheltenham and Mentone.

The Frankston railway line will be lowered in sections triggering the rebuild of Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach stations.

<blockquote>
The safe, accessible stations will reflect the coastal look and feel of the area and will maximise natural light to the platforms – delivering on feedback from the community on the design of the stations. The construction will use natural materials and colours to complement the local communities.

Each of the modern new stations has been designed to enhance connections around the area for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists with local activity hubs, important community facilities and the beach.

The connection with traditional owners of the land is recognised in the station designs, with woven canopies representing the area’s Indigenous textiles and craft.
<cite>Level Crossing Removal Authority</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chelsea1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Chelsea station. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chelsea1.jpg?itok=mVDOT1s8" title="The new Chelsea station. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Chelsea station. Image: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>The State Government also announced another alliance comprising Fulton Hogan and Metro Trains Melbourne has been awarded a $166 million contract to remove the level crossing at Clyde Road, just west of Berwick Station on the same day.

The Frankston line between the Mordialloc Creek and Patterson River, while remaining relatively low-rise and coastal, isn't shy of medium and higher-density development.

Mordialloc has a small concentration of projects but Aspendale right through to Carrum also have a smattering of projects on the Urban database.  <a href="/new-townhouses/mordialloc-vic-3195">Townhouses </a>such as <a href="/buildings/la-sal-chelsea-1-shenfield-avenue-chelsea">La Sal Chelsea</a> and smaller 3-level developments such as <a href="/buildings/chelsea-310-station-street-chelsea">310 Station Street</a> in Chelsea are common throughout the sandbelt.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chelsea-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

With the awarding of the Chelsea, Edithvale and Bonbaeach as well as the Berwick contracts, the government says that it has now awarded 50 contracts in total. 30 individual level crossings have been removed since the program first started during the first term of the Andrews Government.

At the 2018 state election, the ALP expanded their list of 50 level crossings to be removed to 75 and media statements say the state government will have worked through its entire list of 75 metropolitan Melbourne level crossing removals by 2025.

Projects such as the Regional Rail Revival program on the Geelong line will also see non-metropolitan level crossings removed.

 

 

 
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New stations in Melbourne's Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach unveiled

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<a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill has been designated</a> as the northern terminus for phase 1 on the Suburban Rail Loop and it just so happens to be the one middle-ring suburb of Melbourne that has seen, and will likely continue to see some of the <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">highest concentration of new development </a>over time.

Putting aside the Suburban Rail Loop, the existing public transport infrastructure in Box Hill is conducive to supporting a greater amount of high-density residential, commercial/office and retail uses.

The Belgrave/Lilydale lines, coupled with short-running services to Blackburn - two stations east of Box Hill - provide some of the best off-peak frequencies of any railway line in Melbourne.  Peak services are enhanced by the third track built across the 60s and 70s between Box Hill and Burnley that allows extra express peak trains to flow into the city in the morning and out of the city in the afternoon. 

The bus interchange at Box Hill Central, the Vicinity-owned shopping centre sitting atop Box Hill station, while in need of an upgrade, also supports a very large amount of bus routes creates a large mesh of road-based public transport routes feeding into Box Hill from all directions.

Terminating the first phase of the Suburban Rail Loop in Box Hill will be the icing on the cake for Whitehorse council which has for a number of years been keen to see Box Hill 'grow up' and attract new employment and residential-related investment for the region.  

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/box-hill-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

Apartments.com.au and our earlier website moniker Apartments.com.au has been publishing since March 2013 and projects that were at some stage in the pipeline and have now been completed over the past 6 years are still visible on the database.  The map above has nearly 20 completed buildings plus around since 2013 and the map above has almost 20 completed projects plus another 30 odd pipeline projects.

Until 2018/2019, Box Hill's development was guided by a structure plan adopted back in June 2007 and the City of Whitehorse is currently reviewing it.  In May 2019, the council released its <a href="https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/vision-box-hill">analysis and options report</a> for community consultation, the feedback period closed in August 2019.

Last month the Fin Review reported on Vicinity's completion of a masterplan to reconfigure two existing sites at Box Hill Central.  The <a href="https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/vicinity-whets-appetite-for-acquisition-20191114-p53als">report</a> said the redevelopment could potentially deliver 350,000 square metres across seven new towers, creating close to $2 billion in developed real estate.

SGS Economics and Planning drew on Victoria in Future data to produce forecasts for the Box Hill activity centre and suggest that between 2016 and 2036 the population of Box Hill will increase by 8,400-10,100 people creating a need for between 4,200 and 5,000 new dwellings.

On the employment front, the region is forecast to see an increase of 8,400-11,000 new jobs in the area between 2016 and 2036.  Overall, additional employment floor space demand is forecast set to be in the range of 266,000 and 346,000 square metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/east_central1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Central Tower, Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/east_central1.jpg?itok=Whfzq2kn" title="East Central Tower, Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a>, Box Hill</figcaption></figure>For the Suburban Rail Loop, having a good quality interchange at Box Hill will be paramount - and it's an opportunity to create a better bus and rail interchange over and above what currently exists - not just to cater for transferring passengers but over the long term, Box hill and the wider south-east will be connected to the north-western and northern suburbs through the second phase of the gargantuan rail project.

The State Government is reported to have said the business case for the Suburban Rail Loop will be released in 2020 but a picture of the type of system that might emerge is becoming clearer.  

Comparisons to the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project appear to be moot now the Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure have announced the system will be operationally-independent and have smaller trains running on higher frequencies.

One component of any railway project on this scale that hasn't been discussed in this series of articles that is somewhat critical - from a planning and employment perspective as well as an operational perspective - is the location of the maintenance depot and place where the trains go to sleep at night.  Fundamentally it is a component that would be classed as industrial development in the property world however your guess is as good as anyone else's on where it will be situated.

Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-burwood">Burwood</a>.
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Box Hill

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Deakin University's primary Melbourne campus in Burwood is set to be one of two stations on the Suburban Rail Loop that will be located in the City of Whitehorse.

The Burwood station along with the station to be located in the Monash NEIC are the only two stations in the first phase of the SRL that will be built in areas where there is no existing heavy rail transport.   The two university campuses are natural patronage generators with the ability to generate travel demand inside and outside traditional peaks.

According to Deakin University's statistics, in 2017, the Burwood campus had 30,000 on-campus enrolments, and in 2018 Monash University's Clayton campus had 44,000 on-campus enrolments. 

Deakin University's total staff headcount in 2017 numbered just under 5000 with approximately 2000 of them based in Burwood and Monash's total staff headcount in 2018 numbered just under 9000.  Monash University does not provide readily available staff-per-campus statistics.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/srl_burwood1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Deakin University's Burwood campus. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/srl_burwood1.png?itok=AKv3J42F" title="Deakin University's Burwood campus. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Deakin University's Burwood campus. Image: suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>The campus and immediate surrounds are currently served by two modes of public transport: Burwood Highway hosts the number 75 tram route from Vermont South and has three bus routes that link it to Box Hill station.

Burwood itself has seen many new residential and commercial/retail developments completed in the recent past and also has a decent pipeline of work still to come. The majority of completed and still-to-come pipeline projects are lined on either side of Burwood Highway and its tram route.

The 5 level, 39 unit <a href="/buildings/parer-apartments-137-burwood-highway-burwood">Parer Apartments</a> project is indicative of the scale of development that is present along the Burwood Highway and can be explained by the liberal application of the Residential Growth Zone, predominantly along the southern side of the Burwood Highway, and multiple Commercial Zone applications at key sites between Warrigal and Middleborough Roads.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/burwood-vic?embeddable=list-map" width="100%"></iframe>

When Urban interviewed the Victorian Planning Authority's CEO, Stuart Moseley, back in <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-9-special-guest-stuart-moseley-ceo-of-the-victorian-planning-authority">April 2018</a>, he spoke of each NEIC being anchored by, among others, a tertiary institution and while Deakin's Burwood campus is not contained within any flagged NEIC, the addition of a station at Deakin's campus is likely to bring the campus and immediate area into focus for expanded development.

Just to the east of the Deakin campus lies an auto-centric last-century suburban office park which in the context of a major north-south high capacity transport link soon to be built in the area will look somewhat other-worldly if nothing changes.

Clustering is the keyword and despite not being located in an NEIC, Deakin's campus could very well be at the centre of a smaller cluster of businesses working with the university, however before that could start, a new round of structure planning will likely be required.

In 2009 the City of Whitehorse adopted a framework plan for the Burwood village, located to the west of the university campus on Burwood Highway near the intersection of Warrigal Road, and no other studies or plans are currently listed on Whitehorse's <a href="https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/planning-building/planning-strategies/planning-studies-and-policies">website</a> in relation to planning for the Burwood &amp; Deakin University campus area.

Previous stop: <a href="/news/suburban-rail-loop-in-focus-glen-waverley">Glen Waverley</a>

Next stop: Box Hill (coming soon)

Lead image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deakin_University">Wikipedia</a>

<h2>Recently listed properties in Melbourne:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]
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Suburban Rail Loop in focus: Burwood

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Alastair Taylor

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